The solid state cameras vary dramatically in their abilities. I picked up a cheap one (branded Polariod, made by someone else) that is an HD camera and records to an SD card. The quality is very poor, nowhere near what I got from the non-HD DV camera. The Targa TV producers happily used my DV output in the show, they certainly wouldn't have been able to use the ouput from my particular solid state camera. But the DV camera is definitely looking worse for wear from the vibration and it's a lot more of a pain in the butt to transfer video to the computer.
Keith Tanner Flyin' Miata [email protected] http://www.flyinmiata.com <http://www.flyinmiata.com/> 1-800-FLY-MX5s (orders) 1-970-464-5600 (tech) ________________________________ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Will M Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Rollbar camera mount? NMC Any DVD or Hard-Drive based camera will have a tough time inside of a car. Even tape-based cameras need extra precaution as you can slowly vibrate them to death. If you can, go with one of the various solid-state cheap-o high-def cameras. The Aiptek cameras I've used are relatively inexpensive, durable, and easy to use. The cameras record to SD or SDCH memory cards, which means that after recording, you can pop the card into any computer (with Quicktime or WMP loaded) and playback. No "transcoding", copying, etc. I have used a few different setups. While the rollbar mounts are effective, I found that there was a balancing act between having a solid mount and one that was isolated enough to not transfer vibrations from the rollbar to the camera. Below is my new favorite setup, using the best (and cheapest!) solid-state HD camera I've ever tried. Sample video 1: Le-Circuit Mont-Tremblant, quite wet: http://www.vimeo.com/5174119 Sample video 2: Calabogie Motorsports Park, dry: http://www.vimeo.com/1087688 Sample video 3: New Hampshire Motor Speedway: http://www.vimeo.com/1094361 Mount: "Sticky Pod" - http://www.stickypod.com I bought the "dash cam" model with an extra knuckle and other small parts. A couple of guys I know have mounted them outside of the car for some pretty cool angles (next to wheels, etc.), but I'm not that brave. Those guys use (relatively) heavy Mini-DV cameras to boot (where my Aiptek camera weighs next to nothing), a testament to the Sticky Pod's strength. I mount my Sticky Pod to the inside of the windshield on the passenger side, top right corner. Camera: "Aiptek Action-HD 1080P" (currently on sale for $154 at Walmart, with 2GB memory card) - http://www.aiptek.com/HDCamcorders/ Pickup an extended battery while you are at it. The suction cup Sticky Pod + light weight camera make for a nice & stable image. While you cannot escape the rolling shutter effect found in every "economical" HD camera (due to the low-cost CMOS image sensor), this combination has worked very well for me and at an unbelieveable price. Looks great on a 50" plasma to boot. Tip: If you do get one of these cameras, wrap a small piece of tape around one end of the battery. This will hold the battery firmly in place and prevent the camera from switching itself off when you tickle the rumble strips. Works like a charm. I cannot recommend this combination enough! Cheers, Will ----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 8:26 AM Subject: Rollbar camera mount? NMC What is everyone using? Looking at mounting a handheld DV HD based JVC cam.. want to get some video of the cars on track in better-than-webcam format. :) Wallyman ________________________________ _______________________________________________ Miatapower mailing list [email protected] http://list.miatapower.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/miatapower
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